Work on BRTS to begin this month: Sukhbir

Reviewing the ongoing projects in the city, Punjab deputy chief minister Sukhbir Badal on Saturday said the work on the much-talked about bus rapid transit system (BRTS) would start by mid February and be completed by 2016.

Sukhbir asked the officials concerned to stick to deadlines, adding that municipal solid waste management system would begin this month.

The deputy chief minister held rounds of meetings in the city.

“We want to make the city a top tourist destination in Southeast Asia. To attract more tourists and ease the traffic congestion faced by the tourists, the BRTS project costing Rs 491 crore is being initiated by the state government,” he said.

He said the work on the municipal solid waste management project would also be started this month to keep the city clean. The project will cost Rs 72.49 crore, he added.

In a high-level meeting attended by local bodies minister Anil Joshi and chief parliamentary secretary Inderbir Singh Bolaria, the deputy chief minister directed the officials concerned to ensure that the work on both the projects is completed within the stipulated timeframe.

Sukhbir said Amritsar had got a fleet of 40 buses for the city bus service while 110 more buses would be added for the convenience of commuters.

To rejuvenate and conserve the ambience of Company Bagh, he asked the municipal corporation and tourism department to make arrangements of light and sound, installation of musical fountains, pathways, tree plantation and landscaping at the historical site.

Reviewing the conservation and restoration of Town Hall building, which was done at a cost of Rs 65 crore, the deputy chief minister asked the agency concerned to construct a world-class convention centre and exhibition hall, besides a good quality food court, craft bazaar and open-air theatre there.

He also stressed on maintaining the Town Hall building since it is regarded the focal point of the city.

Earlier, Sukhbir visited the entrance plaza site at the Golden Temple and asked the tourism department to expedite the remaining work of the underground plaza.

“The plaza would give a boost to pilgrimage since the open space in front of shrine entrance has been redesigned and refurbished.

“It will also have a world-class auditorium depicting the rich cultural heritage of Sikhism to be displayed through an audio-visual information system,” said Sukhbir Badal.

He asked the municipal corporation to submit a draft plan at the earliest, which would be implemented this year.

Meanwhile, the deputy chief minister also inspected the ongoing work at the historic Gobindgarh Fort and asked the officials concerned to complete its first phase soon so it could be thrown open for the tourists.